The moment a photographer clicks their camera, the photo belongs to the photographer. The copyright is automatic and the photographer does not need to do anything to establish their rights to the photo.
Seeing our work being used without our consent damages our reputation and hard work. While taking a photo might seem effortless, it requires a lot of experience and knowledge. Photographers have years of experience and understand how light works, how to pick the right background, and the best way to highlight faces and expressions.
This is especially true in the case of headshots. Photographers must focus on the natural charisma and personality of each person and capture it on camera and paper. This requires particular attention and competence to ensure that the photo looks as natural and engaging as possible.
A photographer’s hard work must be protected from infringement, copy, and other violations. Here is a brief guide on how a photographer’s work is protected and how clients may use our work.
What Is Copyright?
Copyright protects the intellectual rights of photographers and their ownership of their work—in this case, their photos.
This means that no one may reproduce their photos, show them in public, or share them on any media—including social media. Also, a photographer’s photos may not be used to produce derivatives such as re-edits or a duplication of a photo with small changes. For instance, a person taking a photo of a photo with a small addition to the set is producing a derivative.
Exceptions to Copyright
The law allows for a few exceptions to a photographer’s copyright. These exceptions are categorized under Fair Use.
If your photos are going to be displayed or used for non-profit educational purposes, then they are exempt from copyright laws. The same is valid for research purposes and charity work. These exceptions are created for the greater good and for the well-being and wealth of society as a whole.
Fair use also covers the case of reviews and critiques. If someone makes a review of a product, they will need to share a photo of said product to better qualify their review. In this case, no infringement of copyright laws has occurred.
Copyright on Social Media
Social media like Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms are the best places to display photos and engage with your audience. Businesses win by promoting their work and showing their philosophy online. Photos, videos, how-to guides, and other visual material are great ways for companies to display what they stand for.
Images are so easy to share on social media: sharing is literally just a click away. But sometimes social media users fail to realize that all social media content is also protected by copyright.
When a business or a professional wants to create a post with images, they need to make sure they have permission from the creator of the photo.
Here are some common misconceptions on social media use of photos that should be clarified.
I Credited the Photographer
While it’s very thoughtful to credit an image, it still doesn’t mean that you have the right to use it. The copyright remains with the creator of the photo.
Everyone Is Sharing, So I Will Too
The fact that everyone is doing something wrong doesn’t mean you should too. Although it is very easy to share and reproduce an image on social media, the ease of reproduction is not a testament to its legality.
I Will Take It down If Requested
Several software apps can help photographers check whether their photos are being used without their permission. This means that, sooner or later, the copyright holder of your photos will catch up with you.
Taking down the photo is just one step. What if you earned money and sales from having posted this photo? The photo’s creator can ask for damage repayment and this can cost your business money. It will also tarnish your reputation and disengage your audience from your brand.
How Can I Protect My Business from Copyright Infringement?
Have a Professional Photographer Take Headshots of Your Staff
Your headshot photographer will take professional photos of your staff. You can organize one-to-one shots or group photos.
Once you have these, you can display them on your company website, social media, newsletters, and other promotional material. You won’t need to use clipart photos, which appear out of place and are not representative of your business and its overall brand.
Customers and clients want to see who is behind your brand and they want to see the real faces of the people who talk to them, serve them, and help them. By humanizing and putting a real person behind each and every name, you create a brand that’s personal. You also show you care about your staff and your general image.
Use Photos from Accredited Sites
There are several sites where you can download photos for free. Take time to read the rules because sometimes they vary between sites.
If you want a specific photo, you can buy it from a stock photo provider who gives you the right to use it. For businesses that need photos on a regular basis, you may want to subscribe to such sites and have access to many photos at a better price.
Denver Headshot Co. Can Enhance Your Brand’s Image
Book a photoshoot with Denver Headshot Co. to get a professional headshot for yourself and your team. Bring out the best your company has to offer: its people. Get natural yet empowering photos that you can use for all your media and printed needs.
At Denver Headshot Co, we specialize in creating the right image for your business brand. You are your brand: we’ll make you look like it. Contact us now to book your session and take your business to the next level!
